A.J. Brown's Cap Hit with Patriots Surprises Analysts

In a move that has garnered significant attention, the New England Patriots secured superstar wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday. Given Brown's elite status, expectations were high for a hefty cap hit, but the reality is surprisingly different.

The Eagles are facing a staggering $43.3 million in dead cap space over the next two years due to the proration of Brown's signing bonus accrued while he was with the team. Meanwhile, the Patriots have several avenues to explore regarding Brown's contract, largely influenced by their plans for roster adjustments before the season kicks off.

As of June 1, the Patriots maintain over $40 million in available cap space, with Brown's current deal representing an incredibly low cap hit of just $7 million for the year 2026. This amount is particularly striking considering Brown is set to earn $27.45 million from the Patriots this season.

New England's initial strategy could involve converting Brown's $27.45 million into a salary, resulting in a total cap hit of $28.75 million when including a $1.3 million bonus. This approach makes sense if the Patriots don’t plan on making further roster changes this offseason, taking full advantage of their cap flexibility.

Alternatively, the Patriots could opt into the 2024 option embedded in Brown’s contract, allowing them to spread the $27.45 million payout across five years. This route would lead to a minimal cap hit of $7.04 million in 2026, increasing to $10.97 million in 2027. If they choose this more economical option, Brown’s contract would extend until 2033, albeit with a $49 million total payout over two seasons spread out over several years.

Ultimately, the Patriots appear poised to keep Brown for at least two seasons, with potential for contract restructuring or extension as soon as 2028.